Dispenser and method for applying web-like material to packaging units

Abstract

A method for manually applying web-like material, such as plastic stretch film in roll form, to packaging units, by winding the web material about the packaging units and controlling the tension and speed of unrolling of the roll of web material while applying the latter to the packaging units, and a simplified tool for accomplishing the method. The tool includes a head and a spindle projecting outwardly therefrom, with the head being adapted to mount a roll of the web material in non-movable relationship with respect to the head. An encircling wrap envelope of the web material is wound about the spindle in relatively rotatable relation therewith, and the tension and speed of unrolling of the web material from the roll while applying the web material to a packaging unit is accomplished by manually squeezing the wrap envelope of material on the spindle, to selectively cause a braking action between the spindle and the envelope.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method for manually applying flexible web material, such as plastic film or the like, to packaging units comprising, providing a roll of said flexible material having an open core, inserting into the core in frictional engagement therewith a spindle which then projects out one end of said core, relatively loosely wrapping a selected amount of said flexible material about said projecting portion of said spindle to form an encircling envelope of flexible material which is rotatable relative to said projecting portion of said spindle, and controlling the tension and speed of unrolling of said flexible web material from said roll while applying said flexible material to a packaging unit by manually squeezing said envelope of flexible material on said spindle to selectively cause a braking action between said spindle and said envelope, and including removing said envelope from said spindle by slipping it off the distal end thereof, and then replacing said envelope by wrapping a selected amount of new roll flexible material about said spindle to form a new encircling envelope of flexible material as a replacement for the original envelope of flexible material. 
     
     
       2. A tool for manually applying a web of elongated flexible stock material to units for packaging or banding the same comprising, a head adapted to be forced frictionally into an open core of a roll of the flexible material with the core being non-rotatable with respect to the roll of flexible material, and a spindle fixedly projecting from said head and adapted to extend outwardly of the roll, said spindle having an enlarged end thereon for retaining on said spindle an associated wrap envelope of the flexible material, encircling said spindle in relatively rotatable relation, said wrap envelope of material being adapted to control the tension and the speed of unrolling of the flexible material from the roll while applying the flexible material to a unit for packaging or the like by manaully squeezing the wrap envelope of flexible material on said spindle to selectively cause a braking action between said spindle and said wrap envelope. 
     
     
       3. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said enlarged end is removable from the associated end of said spindle, and when on said spindle end, prevents said wrap envelope from sliding off said end of said spindle. 
     
     
       4. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said head includes ribs projecting laterally thereof and adapted to frictionally embed into the core of the roll of material, for locking the head to the roll against relative rotation. 
     
     
       5. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said head includes, when viewed in side elevation, a generally frusto-conical configuration section for facilitating the insertion of said head into the open core of the roll. 
     
     
       6. A tool in accordance with claim 4 wherein said head includes an upper end and a lower end, said ribs extending from adjacent said lower end toward said upper end, said ribs at their upper ends possessing a generally pointed configuration which merges with the adjoining surface of the head, so that the embedding of said ribs into the inner surface of the core of the roll is facilitated during axial movement of said head into the core to accomplish assembly of the roll with said tool. 
     
     
       7. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said head includes an upper end and a lower end, and comprises, when viewed in side elevation, a generally frusto-conical upper section and a generally cylindrical lower section abutting said upper section, and ribs projecting laterally of said head and disposed on said lower section with the upper ends of said ribs terminating substantially at said intersection. 
     
     
       8. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said enlarged end is removable from the remainder of said spindle, and comprises a flexible cap which frictionally engages the underlying surface of said spindle but which is removable therefrom by pulling outwardly on said cap. 
     
     
       9. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said head and spindle are formed of plastic. 
     
     
       10. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said head includes an upper end and a lower end, and said head is provided with a lip at said lower end thereof, for positively limiting the extent of entry of said head into the open core of the roll. 
     
     
       11. A tool in accordance with claim 2 wherein said head and said spindle are formed as separate parts and then said spindle is assembled into anchored coaction with said head. 
     
     
       12. A tool in accordance with claim 11 wherein said head includes an axial opening therein and said spindle comprises a tubular-like smooth surfaced member, one end of which is forced into said opening in frictionally anchored coaction with said head, said head being of molded plastic and including radially extending ribs.